September 2020 Employee Newsletter OUR CORE VALUES Hospitality Stewardship Creativity & Innovation Hard Work

In this Issue... Christmas Shopping Anyone?

2 In the Spotlight It’s begun - I picked up my first Christmas holiday gift over the week- 3 Did You Know? end. You see I try to pick up gifts early in the season when I see that right something for family members. At times, the gift is on sale or just 4 Birthdays unusual. It helps me avoid that unnecessary stress of running around 5 Anniversaries during the holiday season. This year I am really trying extra hard to sup- 6 Recreation & Parks port our local businesses. I am sure we all see a number of them strug- gling in our town and even a few are now closed. (I liked the golf store Our Core Values 6 In Action below our offices in Lake Sumter Landing- reconditioned golf balls for my inaccurate over water shots and great golfing visors.) I adopted this 7 Budget practice when I was active in the Chamber of Commerce in Alexandria VA some twenty years ago. The Chamber really got into the effort of 8 Public Safety educating the locals to “shop small and shop local.” Shopping local is 8 Community Watch fairly obvious and shopping small referred to the special efforts to pat- ronize the small locally owned businesses. I have to be creative at times 9 Risk Management and gift cards - even now for restaurant take out are a great alternative. As I pen this note, it is hard for me to believe that Labor Day is quickly 10- approaching and I am already checking family members off my holiday Human Resources 12 gift list. Richard Baier, P.E. LEED AP Meeting the needs of The Villages District Manager community Residents is our primary objective.

PURPOSE To provide and preserve the lifestyle of Florida’s Friendliest Hometown.

VISION To be respected as the most responsive and responsible Community Development District.

MISSION To provide responsible and accountable public service that enhances and sustains our community.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT…

Aaliyah Davis ~ Purchasing ~ Buyer Where were you born & raised and went to school? I was born in Savannah, Georgia and raised in Wild- wood, Florida. What was special about where you were from? Being one of the original 13 colonies and the oldest city in Georgia. Hobbies? Favorite activities? I enjoy Crafting. Who has been the most influential person in your life and why? Maya Angelou because of her effortlessly poetry and relatable novels. What’s the best advice you ever received? People will forget what you said or forget what you did, but people will always remember how you made them feel. What is the career & training path that led you to the Districts? I began with Sumter County nearly 5 years ago as an Accounting Technician which resulted into a transition into a Purchasing position. I’ve worked for multi- ple government entities developing my contract and procurement skills which led me to the District. Can you tell us about your day-to-day responsibilities? I issue solicitations, draft contracts/agreements and develop agenda items for Board approval. What is your favorite aspect of working for the Districts? Everyone here works together as a team. What is the most interesting thing you have ever seen? The streets of Havana, Cuba, the most interesting antique cars you’ve ever seen that are in immaculate condition after so many years.

My favorites...Movie: Love & Basketball...Television Show: The People’s Court Sports Team: Pittsburgh Steelers...Vacation Spot: Destin, Florida Restaurant: Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse...Food: Steak or Seafood...Dessert: Strawberry Cheesecake

Karen Briggs ~ Finance ~ Project Manager Where were you born & raised and went to school? I was born and raised in Oakland Park, FL, and graduated from Northeast High School and then Florida Atlantic University. What was special about where you were from? It was a very community oriented place and people looked out for each other. As I got older, I really appreciated the diversity of culture. Tell us about your family, people (including pets!) My husband, Bob, and I have been married for 32 years. We have two wonderful children. Our daughter, Kelly, lives in Greenville and just recently got married to Andy, our great new son-in-law! Our son, Robert Jr., lives in White Sands, New Mexico and is engaged to Katie, our precious (soon-to-be) daughter-in-law. We have been rescued by a beautiful 4 year-old red Doberman named Dutchess, who might be called spoiled. Hobbies? Favorite activities? Anything in or near water and family research. Who has been the most influential person in your life and why? It is hard to pick just one. I have been blessed by an amazing family and then was lucky enough to marry into another wonderful family. They have inspired me with their hard work, positive attitudes, determination, strength of character and especially for the love they have for their families. What’s the best advice you ever received? Forgive and let go, life is too short to hold grudges. Never take advice from someone who isn’t where you want to be. Be kind to others. What is the career & training path that led you to the Districts? In South Florida, I worked in public accounting and then for a manufacturing company in their Financial Reporting department. When we moved from South Florida, I was fortunate to work in the Finance Department at the Citrus County School District, then with the District in Lake County and when the position opened here it was just the right time to have a new adventure. Can you tell us about your day-to-day responsibilities? I will be assisting with implementing the new accounting standards on leases and fiduciary activities, documenting the processes and functions of the various teams within the Finance department and assisting in the integration of those processes with the accounting application. I will also be assisting in the preparation of the year-end- audit reports. What is your favorite aspect of working for the Districts? The people! Everyone has been so helpful and knowledgeable. What is the most interesting thing you have ever seen? Space travel!

My favorites...Movie: Too many to list but most recently, Rocketman...Television Show: Forensic Files Sports Team: USAFA Falcons, any sport...Vacation Spot: At the beach, in the mountains or on a new adventure! Restaurant: The Forge...Food: Mexican or French...Dessert: Chocolate mousse

Did You Know? The District is here for you! The District is continuously updating policies and procedures to main- tain a healthy work environment during COVID-19. We continue to take guidance and direction from Federal, State and local legislative On your District Anniversary. and health entities during this time. Important items to remember: Thank you for your service! COVID-19 Symptoms Include:  Fever of 100.4+ degrees Fahrenheit  Chills  New loss of taste or small  Muscle or body aches  Headache  Diarrhea  Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing Leon Strone  Cough Special Events Line Staff  Nausea or vomiting  Congestion or runny nose  Fatigue  Sore throat

If you get sick at work, or know a team member who gets sick at work, with COVID-19 symptoms, please notify your immediate supervisor and Human Resources immediately, 352-674-1905.

Please don’t come to work if you're sick Brittany Wilson or not feeling well. Director of Technology & Board Support Services Please continue to watch for more updates regarding steps the District is taking to keep you safe during this trying time.

There are resources available to you. Our Employee Assistance Pro- gram , provided by The Standard, is for all part time and full time employees and their families. Please visit www.workhealthlife.com/ standard3 or contact them 24 hours a day/7 days a week by calling 888- 293-6948, TDD: 800-327-1833.

TO THE E M P L O Y E E S O N T H E M O V E DISTRICT FAMILY! Recreation Human Resources Property Management  Chris Arrowood was promoted from Recreation Facilities Morgan Feckley Josue Santiago-Reyes Manager to Recreation Area Manager. Gerard Nesel  Cindy Bennett transferred from Recreation Service Repre- sentative to Recreation Leader. Finance Customer Service  Molly Farrar was promoted from Recreation Facilities Man- Karen Briggs Jaimee Freimuth ager to Recreation Manager.  Lori Popp was promoted from Fitness Assistant to Facility Recreation Specialist. Paul Ard Douglas Butz Daniel Buzzello  Daniel Sciacchetano was promoted from Recreation Leader Theresa Crawford Linda Dick Kathy Genson to Recreation Supervisor Matthew Hobby Karen Hollister Laurie Jacques  Madison Tucker was promoted from Recreation Assistant to Glen Phillips Jeffrey Black Arlene Schuchmann Margarete Williams Jack Finn Donald Bussell Recreation Leader. Dorothy Cuozzo Mary Anne Russell John Hartley Community Watch Charlene Hayes Richard Juliano Melinda Lodge  Joseph Cordero, Robert Reid, and Howard Wapner trans- Walter McFarlane Brent Munson Annie Rein ferred from Gate Attendant Substitute to Gate Attendant. Frank Salerno Warren Sheer  Christina Pittsley transferred from Recreation Assistant to Christopher Thompson Barbara Wysocki Gate Attendant. Community Watch  David Wilkinson was promoted from Patrol Driver to Patrol Paul Hertz Douglas Holliday Paul Radzik Supervisor. James Dryer Henry Feingold Shannon Martin Richard Rest Cheryl Stines

SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER

Keith Boyle 1 Recreation Leroy Thompson 17 Recreation Diane Edwards 1 Community Watch Diane Hull 17 Community Watch William Creelman 1 Community Watch Noah Hartman 17 Public Safety Christopher Palasky 1 Public Safety Dorothy Cuozzo 18 Recreation Thomas Esposito 2 Recreation Lawrence Mueller 18 Recreation Mary Ann Stumpf 2 Recreation Christopher Thompson 18 Recreation Jacob May 2 Public Safety Joyce Bartlett 18 Community Watch Luis Manosalva 3 Community Watch James Hurrey 18 Community Watch Carol Martin 3 Community Watch Tanner Gaddy 18 Public Safety John Spillane 3 Community Watch Ronald Irwin 19 Community Watch Joseph Notarianni 3 Community Watch Scott Rylski 19 Public Safety Robert Murphy 4 Recreation Andrea Crecelius 20 Customer Service Robert Ramage 4 Public Safety Richard Willson 20 Community Watch Leon Strone 5 Recreation Janice Shuman 20 Community Watch Raymond Foder 5 Community Watch Thomas Villnave 20 Property Management Steven Nigro 5 Community Watch Clifford Williams 21 Community Watch Madison Taylor 6 Recreation John Minelli 22 Community Watch Juan Urbi 6 Community Watch Angela Pattillo 22 Human Resources Joseph Bynum 6 Community Watch Christine Knoblock 23 Recreation William Miller 6 Public Safety Linda Viri 23 Recreation David Clare 7 Community Watch Eric McFarland 23 Public Safety Richard Frette 7 Community Watch Colton Mattiucci 24 Public Safety Justin Boudreaux 7 Public Safety Kimberly Cappellini 25 Recreation Juan Berrios 8 Public Safety Jessie Flynn 25 Recreation Robert Rivers 8 Public Safety Preston Stokes 25 Public Safety Patricia McCullough 9 Recreation Gerald Hruska 26 Recreation Patricia Garfield 9 Finance Ralph Novak 26 Recreation Jon Wilkinson 9 Public Safety Frederick Gerber 26 Community Watch Richard Underwood 10 Recreation Rick Priewe 26 Community Watch Donald Melcher 10 Recreation Hope Schortemeyer 27 Property Management Thomas Rohan 10 Recreation Anthony Valadez 10 Property Management Ricky Brakley 28 Recreation Ronald Baroni 10 Public Safety Thomas Carter 28 Recreation Michele Keiser 11 Recreation Paul Patterson 28 Community Watch Linda Moquin 11 Recreation Donald Stephenson 28 Community Watch Hayward Luther 11 Recreation William Turner 28 Public Safety Judith Notarianni 11 Community Watch David Gleim 29 Recreation Daniel McGoldrick 11 Public Safety Sharon Hehr 29 Recreation Robert Smiley 11 Public Safety William Poling 29 Recreation Monica Vecchio 12 Recreation Robert Foster 29 Community Watch Anthony Prettitore 12 Recreation Margaret McManus 29 Community Watch Jennifer Cole 12 Finance Robert Sondel 29 Community Watch Loretta Difurio 13 Recreation Stephen Juntunen 29 Community Watch Brenda Petersen 14 Recreation Ryan Chastain 29 Community Standards Donald Fox 14 Recreation Bernadette Cecchini 30 Recreation Jerry Wetzel 15 Recreation Mary Hargreaves 30 Recreation Karen Dalton 17 Recreation Daniel Pursell 30 Public Safety

Happy September Anniversary! Thank You For Your Service!

Jean Carroll Recreation 09/09/1996 24 James Goodworth Public Safety 09/09/2017 3 Donald Lane Recreation 09/09/1997 23 Roberto Bargas Community Watch 09/18/2017 3 Peter Carpenter Public Safety 09/30/2002 18 Kenneth Blocker Administration 09/18/2017 3 Richard Johnson Recreation 09/02/2003 17 Philip Cook Community Watch 09/18/2017 3 Barbara Mercer-Poll Finance 09/15/2004 16 Joseph Cordero Community Watch 09/18/2017 3 Adele Gitterman Finance 09/11/2006 14 Linda DeLuca Community Watch 09/18/2017 3 Jason Tong Property Management 09/24/2007 13 Frank Fauci Community Watch 09/25/2017 3 Roger Bruce Community Watch 09/13/2008 12 Monica Lui Recreation 09/25/2017 3 Paul Tucker Community Watch 09/23/2008 12 Terry Sharpless Recreation 09/25/2017 3 Willis Jines Recreation 09/23/2009 11 Joel Smith Community Watch 09/25/2017 3 Jerry Lapham Recreation 09/23/2009 11 Robert Traina Recreation 09/25/2017 3 Leon Strone Recreation 09/01/2010 10 Richard Vogt Recreation 09/25/2017 3 Carolyn Wescoe Recreation 09/01/2010 10 William Fitzpatrick Community Watch 09/10/2018 2 Brittany Wilson Administration 09/07/2010 10 Anne Hochsprung Finance 09/10/2018 2 Meryl Boyd Recreation 09/14/2011 9 Richard Hoffman Community Watch 09/10/2018 2 Barbara DeJong Recreation 09/28/2011 9 Linda Mlaka Community Watch 09/10/2018 2 Barbara Pancoast Recreation 09/28/2011 9 Dominic Pascuzzo Recreation 09/10/2018 2 Roy Pancoast Recreation 09/28/2011 9 Ronald Scull Community Watch 09/10/2018 2 Jodell Thurgaland Budget 09/04/2012 8 Thomas Sherlock Community Watch 09/10/2018 2 Randall Phillips Recreation 09/15/2012 8 Jose Alvarez Community Watch 09/24/2018 2 Susan Rodriguez Belon Community Standards 09/17/2012 8 James Ferebee Recreation 09/24/2018 2 James Hodge Community Watch 09/16/2013 7 Mari Flanagan Community Watch 09/24/2018 2 Frederick Urfer Community Watch 09/16/2013 7 Michael Fortier Recreation 09/24/2018 2 Richard Adams Recreation 09/30/2013 7 Blair Hursh Recreation 09/24/2018 2 Sam Crowell Community Watch 09/30/2013 7 Jeffrey Lutley Recreation 09/24/2018 2 Linda Johnson Recreation 09/30/2013 7 Frank Petrozzino Recreation 09/24/2018 2 John Tew Community Watch 09/30/2013 7 Robert Sjogren Public Safety 09/24/2018 2 Jeannine Young Recreation 09/30/2013 7 Lawrence Small Recreation 09/24/2018 2 Ayako Terao Finance 09/08/2014 6 Rachel Tillotson Recreation 09/24/2018 2 Carol Indermuehle Recreation 09/15/2014 6 Christine Wergin Recreation 09/24/2018 2 Webb Epperson Community Watch 09/29/2014 6 Gregory Wood Community Watch 09/24/2018 2 Jerald Goldstein Community Watch 09/29/2014 6 John Balding Community Watch 09/16/2019 1 Stephen Juntunen Community Watch 09/29/2014 6 James Carbonneau Recreation 09/16/2019 1 Kenneth Knetsch Community Watch 09/29/2014 6 Maria Helena Collier Recreation 09/16/2019 1 Peter Roscoe Recreation 09/29/2014 6 Shannon Dowd Recreation 09/16/2019 1 Shannon Mattiucci Community Standards 09/14/2015 5 Kimberly Doyle Customer Service 09/16/2019 1 Jeffrey Miller Recreation 09/14/2015 5 Eliyahu Ifrach Community Watch 09/16/2019 1 Alana Tutone Recreation 09/14/2015 5 Connie Reavy Recreation 09/16/2019 1 Michael Harris Property Management 09/26/2015 5 Andrew Shpur Recreation 09/16/2019 1 Martha Dennis Community Watch 09/12/2016 4 James Thomasson Community Watch 09/16/2019 1 Patricia Adams Recreation 09/26/2016 4 Jon Wilkinson Public Safety 09/16/2019 1 Michael Bronersky Community Watch 09/26/2016 4 Andrea Crecelius Administration 09/23/2019 1 Verna Bronersky Community Watch 09/26/2016 4 Kimberly Jensen Finance 09/23/2019 1 Brenda Farley Recreation 09/26/2016 4 Patricia Juliano Recreation 09/23/2019 1 Billy Hames Recreation 09/26/2016 4 Barry Phillips Recreation 09/23/2019 1 Anna Marchitelli Recreation 09/26/2016 4 Frances Schwab Recreation 09/23/2019 1 John Myers Recreation 09/26/2016 4 Gloria Sperazza Community Watch 09/23/2019 1

Recreation & Parks News Recognizing Our Core Values In Action!

Recreation & Parks had another crowning mo- Community Watch’s Adult Watch Program gives our residents and ment with one of their team members. Staff their families peace of mind in the form of phone calls to residents at have shown their support for their teammate their chosen time to make sure they are doing okay. If the resident Jim Lucas, Recreation Supervisor on his journey doesn’t answer in a 15 minute time span, a patrol driver will visit their to becoming a Deacon. His latest accomplish- home and knock on their door. If they don’t answer the door, Commu- ment; Master of Arts, Theology from Saint Leo nity Watch will call their emergency contacts and if that doesn’t work, University, puts him closer to his vision becom- Community Watch will contact local law enforcement. In addition, the ing a reality. program checks local hospitals to see if residents were admitted. The program has helped many residents who have been in distress at the time of the calls. The amount of calls can be from 112-120 a day. A Recently, Pam Henry, Recreation Man- resident recently thanked the program. “Just a short note to thank you ager-Lifestyles, Parks & PR achieved for your Adult Watch program. It means the world to my sons and I.” another milestone, her 60th Birthday! Best wishes Pam and many more Property Management was thanked. “Just a quick note to thank you healthy & happy birthdays to come! for the cleanup done on the waterfall area. It was looking very unkept and there has been a huge improvement. The top waterfall was not even visible and now it looks great. I wasn't sure which department to contact but please pass my thanks along. Much appreciated!”

Trillium Recreation Center at The Lofts near Brownwood Paddock Property Management received the following email. “I am sure you Square opened on Monday, August 10th. The village center has a hear many complaints about what goes on in the Villages. So I will tell resort style family pool, multi-purpose room, game room with billiard you when it is bad and I will also tell you when it is great. Now it is & shuffleboard tables, and two gas grills. Trillium is part of the Eisen- great! The TSL crew and management working at The Poinciana mail hower Region. station site (corner of St. Charles and Bailey Trail) is performing a fan- tastic job to upgrade the plantings and appearance at that site. I walk my dog there often during the day and find the site now to be well cared for. While the folks are working the site and when they leave, the site is clear and clean of the activities being performed. Very professional and very safe! I myself made it a point to thank everyone working there today. Please let TSL know that there are some residents here that appreciate a job well done and safe for us to be around. In no time at all, the site will look better than ever. Thanks also to the District management for deploying a crew that provides value against our fees.”

Administration , Budget and Property Management were thanked by The Sumter County School Board, a resident. “I would just like to say 'THANK YOU'. You do an Outstand- Teachers and Students are very ing job. I have not been to a board meeting for a while but your team grateful for the generosity of The is always so professional, responsive, polite and listens sincerely to the Villages residents and District residents.” staff. A school supply drive was held August 12-14 at three Regional A resident called to compliment Nick Sanchirico, DPM Supervisor- Recreation Centers. Over $5,000 Water Resources. Nick was working on a water problem at the pond worth of School Supplies and $2,543 behind the resident’s home. The resident had a conversation with Nick in monetary donations were donated during the First Annual Sumter and wanted Mr. Baier to know what a nice and very knowledgeable County Public Schools Supply Drive. These supplies were given to the employee Nick was and that he represented the District well. students who could not afford to purchase the necessary supplies for their personal use in the classroom. The monetary donations received All District Employees were complimented by residents. “My husband were divided up between the eight public schools based on the num- and I want to extend our gratitude to all of the Villages teams for their ber of students enrolled. These schools will use the funds to purchase hard work in making this community such an amazing place to live. We supplies according to their individual needs. couldn't be more pleased with living here and it's the hard work and professionalism of your employees and contractors that make our Last month, DeSoto for Non-Profits, a community top shelf. Thank you for all you do. You continue to make resident lifestyle group in The Villages and these two villagers happy every day and we thank you for that.” our Fenney Recreation staff teamed up and collected over 2,000 lbs. of food for Property Management received the following email. “Property Man- the Leesburg Food Bank. They also col- agement, Wow! Such service! We have tried for one year to get that lected over 30 bags of women’s clothes cap! You are fabulous, thank you!” for local shelters. This drive provided much need supplies for the surrounding communities and was a win-win for everyone involved.

Budget

Budget Bliss As the entire budget team continues to monitor the current fiscal year 2019-20 budget we are also working diligently on finalizing the fiscal year 2020-21 budget. Public budget workshops have been held during Brandy Cook, the summer to provide the Board of Supervisors and the residents the Budget Manager, opportunity to discuss and provide input into the development of the recently celebrat- budgets. Florida State Statutes require that a final budget and final th ed her son Gabri- maintenance assessments be approved no later than September 15 of el’s graduation each year. With the changes occurring throughout the District, and we from Leesburg adjust to our “New Normal”, this requirement remains the same. The High School. Up- Districts will be adopting their FY20-21 Final Budgets and maintenance assessments rates at their September Board meetings. The Proposed on graduation, he Budgets are available on the District’s website, www.DistrictGov.org. enlisted in the Once approved, the Final Budgets will be added to the District’s website. U.S. Navy, where he plans on pur- The following is the schedule for when the final budget hearings will suing a career in occur. As always these meetings are open to the public. Please note that Nuclear Engineering. He shipped out on July, 22, 2020, the District Board meetings will be held at the Savannah Regional Recre- and will be completing his basic military training at Na- ation Center to ensure that all social distancing guidelines are adhered to val Station Great Lakes Academy located near Chicago, for the safety of all attendees. Illinois. Join us in wishing the Cook family congratula-

tions on her son’s accomplishments!  Monday, August 31st - Approve Final Budget Recommendation PWAC – 8:30 a.m. Jodell Thurgaland, Budget Analyst celebrated her daughter  Thursday, September 3rd - Public Hearing to Adopt Final Budget SLCDD – 10:30 a.m. Kathryn who BCDD – 11:30 a.m. graduated from District # 9 – 1:30 p.m. The Villages District # 10 – 3:00 p.m. Charter High School. She will  Friday, September 4th - Public Hearing to Adopt Final Budget soon leave to District # 5 – 8:00 a.m. attend Flagler District # 6 – 9:30 a.m. College in St District # 8 – 11:30 a.m. Augustine where she plans  Wednesday, September 9th - Approve Final Budget on entering the Recommendation department of Visual and Performing Arts to earn her AAC – 9:00 a.m. Bachelor Degree majoring in Fine Arts, and minoring in Theatre Arts.  Wednesday, September 9th - Public Hearing to Adopt Final Budget VCCDD – 3:30 p.m.

 Thursday, September 10th - Public Hearing to Adopt Final Budget District # 7 – 8:00 a.m. District # 12 – 9:30 a.m. District # 11 – 11:00 a.m. Jodell also recently

- became a first time  Friday, September 11th Public Hearing to Adopt Final Budget grandmother when her District # 1 – 8:00 a.m. son Avery and his fian- District # 2 – 9:30 a.m. cée Samantha gave District # 3 – 11:00 a.m. birth to a beautiful ba- District # 4 – 1:30 p.m. by boy. John Roger Thurgaland was born  Monday, September 14th - Public Hearing to Adopt Final Budget on August 4, 2020. District # 13 – 1:30 p.m.

Residents are encouraged to provide input during the budget pro- cess. If you are unable to attend the above meetings, you may provide your comments by contacting a committee member, Richard Baier, Dis- trict Manager or Barbara Kays, Budget Director at 751-3939 or email Barbara at [email protected].

Public Safety News Community Watch News

Public Safety received the following Michael Miller, Lead Dispatcher recently grad- message from Chief Tempesta of the uated with academic honors of Magna Cum Lady Lake Police Department regard- Laude while earning his Bachelor of Science ing an event Ed Raulerson, Fire Mar- Degree in IT Management and Web Develop- shal and Cheryl Bidwell, Administra- ment and Design from Southern New Hamp- tive Assistant (as Sparky) attended in shire University. Community Watch and the conjunction with Lady Lake. Other District are proud of your accomplishment and that you are part of our team. departments such as Lake Fire and the VFW all came to together for this event. “I would like to express my appreciation to your members, Ed Raulerson and Cheryl Bidwell, for attending the birthday party of a boy who recently lost his father. “Sparky” brought some cool hats and gift bags for the kids in attendance and made many new Due to Community Watch’s 24-hour work days, they operate on a two friends. I feel it is important for our agencies to show commu- color system. Each works 4 days on, 4 days off. A grateful resident nity support, especially during a time of need for a family that who wanted to show appreciation to all of our employees contacted has been shattered by the loss of a husband, father and one of Publix Catering to anonymously send two thank you carrot cakes. The our country’s veterans. Thank your members for me.” cakes were coordinated three days apart to accommodate both Red and Blue team members. They were even decorated for each of the teams. The resident thought of everything. The cakes were delicious Car Seat Installation Class and the fact someone put so much thought into showing us how A class was held at The Villages Public Safety Department dur- much we are appreciated was the best part. ing the week of August 3rd to certify Public Safety employees on car seat installation. The three day course was taught by Linda Thompson of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Buddy Luckock of the Tavares Fire Department. The certification is good for two years. Public Safetyparticipants included Shane Danford, Firefighter Paramedic, John Longacre, Emergency Management Coordinator, Bob Sjogren, Public Education Technician, Kara Watts, Division Chief of EMS Training, Me- gan Conatser, Administrative Assistant and Cheryl Bidwell, Administrative Assistant.

In Other News

District Offices will be closed on Monday, Septem- ber 7th in observance of Labor Day. Labor Day is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. Deputy Chief Good- worth (pictured National Payroll Week takes place September 7- right) accepting a 11 and celebrates America’s employees and the big thank you for payroll professionals who pay them. Together through payroll withholding, we contribute, col- Public Safety, from lect, report and deposit 70% of the U.S. Treas- Paul Drolshagen. He ury's annual revenue, about $2.4 trillion per year. is part of a golf group here in The There are great resources located at www.nationalpayrollweek.com which include how social security benefits work, benefits of direct Villages that wanted deposit and ways to manage your paycheck. to say “Thank you for all you do for our There is also an option to complete a 5 minute survey. You will be community!” entered to win a free paycheck and your dream vacation.

Risk Management News

National Preparedness Month (NPM) is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. Hurricane season start- ed on June 1st and continues until November 30th. As we monitor hurricane season as a state and as our nation continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to be involved this September.

Make A Plan Make a plan today. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of dis- asters could affect your area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find. Put a plan together by discussing the questions below with your family, friends or household to start your emergency plan.  Do you know how you will receive emergency alerts and warnings? Phone, weather radio, etc.  What is your shelter plan? Know where you will go.  Do you know your evacuation route?  What is your family/household communication plan? Create a paper copy of the contact information for your family and other important people/offices, such as medical facilities, doctors, schools, or service providers. Have everyone in your family carry a copy.  Do you need to update your emergency preparedness kit? Visit www.ready.gov/kit to know what you should have in your kits.  Check with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), www.cdc.gov and update your emergency plans due to Coronavirus. Get cloth face coverings (for everyone over 2 years old), disinfectants, and check on your sheltering plan.

Consider specific needs in your household As you prepare your plan, tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in the network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets or specific needs like operating medical equipment.

Keep in mind some of these factors when developing your plan: Different ages of members within your household, responsibilities for assisting others, locations frequented, dietary needs, medical needs including prescriptions and equipment, disabilities or access and functional needs including de- vices and equipment, languages spoken, cultural and religious considerations, pets or service animals and households with school-aged children.

Fill out a Family Emergency Plan There are plenty of plans and guidance information available at https://www.ready.gov/plan.

Emergency Planning during a Pandemic  Make sure to have cloth face coverings on hand for every member 2 years of age or older in your family.  Prescription medications and non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antac- ids or laxatives  Anti bacterial soap for frequent hand washing  Disinfecting supplies  Hand sanitizer

Go over and practice the plan with your family!

Information provided by: www.ready.gov/september

Risk Management & Human Resources News

Flu Season is around the corner! In the United States, flu season occurs in the fall and winter. Remember, influenza viruses cir- culate year-round! Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons age 6 months and older to decrease morbidity and mortality caused by influenza. During the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the overall burden of respiratory illnesses is important to protect vulnerable populations at risk for severe illness, the healthcare system, and other critical infrastructure. It is especially important for the following individuals to get their annual flu shot:  Essential workers: healthcare personnel, including nursing home, long-term care facility, and pharmacy staff, and other critical infrastructure workforce.  Persons at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19: Including adults age 65 years and older, residents in a nursing home or long-term care facility, persons of all ages with certain underlying medical conditions. Severe illness from COVID-19 has been observed to disproportionately affect members of certain racial/ethnic minority groups.  Persons at high risk for influenza complications: Including infants and young children, children with neurologic conditions, pregnant women, adults age 65 years and older, and other persons with certain underlying medical conditions

Visit: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pandemic-guidance/index.html for more information about flu shots.

Florida Health is also a great resource for more information about the flu and locations to get a flu shot. Visit http://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/prevention/flu-prevention/locate-a-flu-shot.html for this information and to visit your local county health department website. Lake County http://lake.floridahealth.gov/ 352-589-6424

Marion County http://marion.floridahealth.gov/ 352-629-0137

Sumter County http://sumter.floridahealth.gov/ 352-569-3102

Florida Blue Insurance currently covers the cost of flu shots. For those of you who don’t have Florida Blue, please check with your insurance regarding the cost. Pharmacies currently providing flu shots. CVS https://www.cvs.com/pharmacy/v2/#/pharmacy

Walgreens https://www.walgreens.com/topic/pharmacy/seasonal-flu.jsp

Publix https://ww4.publix.com/pharmacy-wellness/pharmacy/pharmacy-services/vaccinations

Winn Dixie https://www.winndixie.com/pharmacy

Walmart https://www.walmart.com/cp/1228302?search_redirect=true&redirect_query=flu%20shot&redirectQuery=flu%20shot

Visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/visit/vaccination-during-COVID-19.html?s_cid=PN-NCIRD-OY4-Childhood-Con-AW- Free-Eligible-14D to see if your child is eligible for a free flu shot.

"People who can avoid the flu will help reduce the burden on a U.S. health care system already overwhelmed by COVID-19," Mark Thompson stated, an epidemiologist in the Influenza Division at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Human Resources News

Mask Facts From Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

Current Job Openings Who They Are Are you looking for a career change, or know SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of El- someone who is seeking employment? Our cur- ders) is a free program offered by the Florida rent job openings include: Department of Elder Affairs and your local Area Agency on Aging. Specially trained volunteers Community Watch can assist you with your Medicare, Medicaid, and health insurance questions by providing Part Time Gate Attendant Substitute $10.49 per hour one-on-one counseling and information. SHINE services are free, Part Time Patrol Driver Substitute $11.07 per hour unbiased, and confidential.

Property Management SHINE’S Mission Full Time Administrative Assistant $13.74 per hour The SHINE program supports the Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ Full Time Manager-Infrastructure $57,378.50 annual mission by providing free and unbiased health insurance counseling through a dedicated network of volunteers, empowering Florida sen- Recreation iors to make informed health care choices. Part Time Facility Specialist $11.07 per hour Part Time Fitness Assistant $9.93 per hour Despite complications caused by the COVID-19 health emergency, Part Time Recreation Assistant $9/93 per hour SHINE continues to find creative socially distant solutions to provide local, in depth and objective insurance counseling and assistance. Keep an eye out for emails from Terianne Carroll, HR Administrator, for future openings with the District. Due to COVID-19, SHINE’s in-person counseling sites are closed. They If you have questions on job openings or how to apply, are providing virtual Medicare classes. Please visit please feel free to call Terianne at 352-674-1905 or email www.floridashine.org to view the virtual class options. [email protected]. You can also call SHINE and speak to a representative at 1-800-963-5337.

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